Thor Helgason Bruyette

Thor Helgason Bruyette was called home for his next great driving adventure on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Thor was born on March 26, 1960, in Keflavik, Iceland. His family moved to Swanton in 1965. As a child Thor loved fishing on the river, worked on local farms and enjoyed the outdoors.

He experienced something we all take for granted. He became an American citizen, which he was very proud of.

Thor graduated from Missisquoi Valley Union High in 1978 with high honors. He was a mentor and tutor, in reading and mathematics.

Thor honed his crane skills while working with his father Tommy at their family business, Swanton Tree Service. After years of trade work, he decided to go his own way and start his own crane service. Thorco Crane Service was now in business. Thor’s work ethic found him to be on time for an honest day’s work. He was dedicated to excellence in his work and proud to be known as the “Best Crane Operator in Vermont.”

He loved working as an operator of heavy equipment with Omega Electric and Camp Precast, before owning Thorco Crane Service. After retirement Thor enjoyed detailing cars and moving inventory around New England for Barrette Ford in Swanton.

Thor had many joys in life, cherishing his beautiful home in Vermont and time with family and friends. Thor loved skiing at Jay Peak, plowing driveways, picking his fresh raspberries, gardening, tending to his lawn, playing backgammon and venturing on the Mule (ATV). He loved driving adventures, especially across the country and to the Midwest. Thor’s babies included his Harley, Richard Petty blue Roadrunner, and his chickirod.

Everywhere Thor went he made special friends. He was known for his sharp mind, big heart, integrity, respect, honesty and loving soul. This made Thor’s circle of friends and family very close and very important to him. He earned everything he had.

In December 1988 he met the love of his life, Carol Ann (Cyr) Bruyette. They soon married on October 12, 1990. Thor was so proud to say that his 35 years of marriage was the best thing that ever happened to him. They lived happily ever after with their three pups in tow Bear, Midnight and Sam, throughout the years.

He is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Audur (Gisbdottir) Bruyette. In laws Rene and Rita (Lavoie) Cyr. Brother in law Daniel Cyr, Sister in law Paula Cyr and niece Amanda Reagan.

To his family Thor will always be remembered as “Uncle Thor” never to be forgotten! He leaves behind many family and friends; brother Hafsteinn Steinarsson (Fairfax), sister Thordis (Disa) Tatro (Fairfax) and brother Daniel Bruyette (Swanton). Uncle Gisli Hafsteinsson. Cousins Liz Jackson, Robert Smith and Kim Hunter. Niece Michelle St. Francis and God children Taylor Real and Jacob McNall.

He especially looked forward to his daily visits from his two loving nieces, who he cherished as if they were his own. Taylor Wolfe Remillard, Sophia Wolfe (God daughter) and his newest and loved nephew Jacob Remillard.

A warm thank you to his special family who loved his wit and charm. Cathy (Cyr) Wolfe, Justin Desnoyers, Diane (Cyr) Rideout, David and Tammy (Martin) Cyr, Doris (Cyr) and Richard Archambault, Lucille (Cyr) and Peter Beauregard, Robert Cyr and many loving nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited for visitation on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton, VT. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Angels Catholic Church, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 11:00, 245 Lake Street St. Albans, VT.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sheldon Interfaith Food Shelter, 45 Church St., Sheldon, VT or Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, 371 N. River Street, Swanton, VT

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com